Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 27, 2026

Electroconvulsive Seizures in Rats and Fractionation of Their Hippocampi to Examine Seizure-induced Changes in Postsynaptic Density Proteins
Published on: August 15, 2017
Electroconvulsive therapy for depression in Parkinson's disease: systematic review of evidence and recommendations
Anna Borisovskaya1,2, William Culbertson Bryson1, Jonathan Buchholz1,2
1University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA.
Aim:
We performed a systematic review of evidence regarding treatment of depression in Parkinson's disease (PD) utilizing electroconvulsive therapy.
Methods:
The search led to the inclusion of 43 articles, mainly case reports or case series, with the largest number of patients totaling 19.
Results:
The analysis included 116 patients with depression and PD; depression improved in 93.1%. Where motor symptoms' severity was reported, 83% of patients improved. Cognition did not worsen in the majority (94%). Many patients experienced delirium or transient confusion, sometimes necessitating discontinuation of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Little is known about maintenance ECT in this population.
Conclusion:
ECT can benefit patients suffering from PD and depression. We recommend an algorithm for treatment of depression in PD, utilizing ECT sooner rather than later.
Related Concept Videos
Parkinson's Disease: Overview
Parkinson's Disease: Treatment
Parkinson's Disease is primarily a result of the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The cornerstone of its...
Electroconvulsive Therapy
Parkinson Disease l: Introduction
Parkinson Disease ll: Pathophysiology

